To cope with harsh Scottish winters, Arcstream also supplied temperature-controlled enclosures created by Tempest Lighting, ensuring that the projectors remain fully operational whatever the weather. Projection is controlled via a Delta media server from 7th Sense.

“Whilst the installation was fairly straightforward it took several months of planning,” explained Neil Dickinson, managing director of Arcstream. “Getting the equipment on to the roof was always going to be the most difficult part, so we designed a full framework with a tilt mechanism which meant everything could be lifted by crane. In the end the site work only took us three days.”

Richard Foster of Sony commented: “As the only UK venue of its scale built specifically for concerts, and the fifth busiest entertainment arena in the world, everything about the SSE Hydro is big and bold, offering a mix of aesthetic appeal and functionality. We’re delighted that Arcstream’s bold installation works in harmony with the overall Hydro experience.”

Built on the site of the former Queen’s Dock, Hydro augments the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre’s (SECC) existing facilities, and will play host to around 140 events every year. From its opening in 2013, the Hydro has the potential to inject an additional £131million annually into the local economy. It was designed by Foster and Partners, the architectural practice responsible for breathtaking buildings such as Hong Kong’s Chep Lap Kok Airport, the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank, the Bilbao Metro and the SECC’s own Clyde Auditorium or 'Armadillo'.

The façade of the Hydro, made up of pneumatic translucent cushions, has been made possible by using a special film originally developed for the space industry. This will allow natural light to illuminate the foyers during the day and the arena to ‘glow’ at night.